Dogs come in all shapes and sizes - the UK Kennel Club recognises 221 different pedigree dogs, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
Then there are all manner of crossbreeds, from so-called ‘designer dogs’ to lovable mongrels.
Each has its own list of positive and negative attributes, and it’s important to take plenty of time to think about what breed will fit into your lifestyle the best - for instance a smaller dog if you live in a flat, or a hypoallergenic dog if the mere mention of dog hair makes you think about sneezing.
There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
A dog’s IQ has a bearing on how easy it is to train - although a brainy pup still has to want to do what it’s told to be considered highly trainable, so it’s not all about intelligence.
Some breeds tend to have a range of attributes that mean it’s pretty easy to get them heading outside for the toilet, sitting, staying and walking to heel. Others, however, tend to be a little trickier.
It should be noted that every dog is an individual so there is no guarantee that any particular animal will have the traits common to its breed.
Having said that, here are the 12 breeds that tend to be the hardest to train.
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5. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are dogs that benefit hugely from professional training, otherwise they can become too protective of their owner and potentially lash out at strangers. They can be incredibly stubborn at first, but a well-trained Rottie will be one of the best-behaved dogs you could ever meet. | Getty Images
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6. Jack Russell Terrier
Incredibly energetic and intelligent, Jack Russells are prone to distraction and defiance if not properly exercised and trained in a structured and strict way. Their independent thinking makes them more likely to follow their own rules - which are likely to be VERY different from yours. | Getty Images
7. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are adorable and good-natured dogs but their incredible sense of smell can distract them from whatewver you are asking them to do. They can also be lazy, lacking any real motivation to learn. | AFP via Getty Images
8. Dalmation
Dalmatians are a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde breed - they can be very obedient, but only when it's something they are happy to go along with. If it's not something they are keen on they can be obstinate, while poorly-trained Dalmations have a habit of jumping up, growling and snapping | Getty Images